Over the next couple of weeks Stephen and Aurora got into Somewhat of a routine. The two of them began training again. Afterall they did train together. This morning was no different. They were in the garden having a spar.
Stephen and Aurora circled each other in the early morning light, the sun casting long shadows across the garden. The sparring sessions had become something of a ritual, a grounding routine in their unpredictable lives. Aurora feinted left, but Stephen anticipated her move, dodging smoothly and stepping in close.
"You're getting faster," he noted, flashing her a quick grin before he went for a low sweep. Aurora leaped over his leg with ease, landing lightly on her feet, her breath steady despite the intensity of their sparring.
"And you're still predictable," she teased, flicking a strand of hair from her face. She dropped into a defensive stance, watching his every move, eyes bright with focus.
Stephen chuckled, accepting the playful jab, and tried a new tactic. He darted in, feigning a strike toward her shoulder but quickly redirected toward her side. Aurora parried just in time, her movements as fluid as the morning breeze. Their steps grew quicker, the space between them shrinking, as they moved in a carefully choreographed rhythm.
Eventually, Stephen misstepped, and Aurora took her chance, sweeping his legs out from under him. He landed on his back with a thud, looking up at her in surprise, still catching his breath.
"Gotcha," she said, a hint of triumph in her voice as she extended a hand to help him up.
He took it, pulling himself to his feet with a shake of his head. "I'll get you back for that."
"I look forward to it," she replied, grinning.
They stood in silence for a moment, catching their breaths as the morning sun rose higher. Over these past weeks, they'd fallen into an unspoken rhythm of trust and camaraderie. This sparring time was their own, and though neither would say it, they both felt a sense of peace here that was hard to find anywhere else.
"Same time tomorrow?" Stephen asked.
Aurora nodded. "Same time. Don't be late."
As they walked in for breakfast Stephen asks "Rory, would you like to see my parents? Its been far to long. And they have been dying to See you again."
"of course I would ! " Aurora exclaims "I haven't talked to Auntie and uncle in so long. "
They walked toward the dining room, the smell of fresh coffee and baked bread filling the air. Aurora's face lit up at the idea of seeing Stephen's parents again; it had indeed been ages since she'd last visited them.
"Mom will be thrilled," Stephen said with a smile. "She's been asking about you every time I call home. And Dad... well, he's still convinced you're the one who finally made me get my act together."
Aurora laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment. But really, I've missed them both. Your mom's cooking, your dad's stories..." Her eyes softened as she glanced over at him. "When do you want to go?"
Stephen looked thoughtful, pulling out a chair for her as they sat down for breakfast. "I was thinking this weekend, if you're free. We could head up Friday evening, spend the weekend there?"
Aurora nodded enthusiastically, buttering a slice of toast. "Sounds perfect. I'll need to pick up a few things on the way—gifts, of course! I can't show up empty-handed."
"Just your presence will be enough for them," Stephen assured her, though he knew better than to argue when Aurora had set her mind on something.
As they ate, they planned the trip in between bites, with Stephen sharing updates on his parents and Aurora adding in little anecdotes about memories she had from past visits. They laughed over old family stories, filling the room with warmth and familiarity.
By the end of breakfast, they'd settled everything: they'd drive up Friday afternoon, Aurora would bring her famous chocolate cake, and Stephen would take charge of planning an outdoor hike, as his dad had been raving about a new trail nearby.
"Just like old times, huh?" Aurora said, smiling as they finished their meal.
"Yeah," Stephen replied, his gaze warm. "It'll be good to go back home—with you there"
Friday arrived faster than either of them expected, and by mid-afternoon, Stephen and Aurora were on the road, the car packed with weekend essentials, gifts, and Aurora's carefully wrapped chocolate cake.
The drive was filled with easy conversation, as they reminisced about past visits to his parents' home, where countless holidays and family gatherings had taken place. Stephen's parents had always been like a second family to her. The familiarity and comfort made the trip feel more like a return to her own roots.
As they finally turned onto the long, winding road leading up to his parents' house, Stephen glanced over at Aurora. "Nervous?"
"Excited," she replied, her voice tinged with genuine happiness. "And maybe a little nervous. It's been too long."
The house came into view, looking as inviting as ever, nestled between tall, swaying trees and illuminated by the warm glow of late afternoon sun. Before they even had a chance to get out of the car, the front door opened, and Stephen's mother stepped outside, a wide smile on her face.
"Aurora! Stephen!" she called, waving as they approached. Her arms were already outstretched as Aurora came up the steps, and she pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Auntie! It's so good to see you!" Aurora laughed, hugging her tightly. The familiar scent of lavender, which his mother always wore, made her feel instantly at home.
"Look at you! You haven't changed a bit," Stephen's mother said, holding her at arm's length. "And Stephen, dear," she said, pulling him in for a hug, "you've finally brought her back to us!"
Just then, Stephen's dad appeared, grinning broadly as he clapped Stephen on the back and pulled Aurora into a gentle but firm embrace.
"Rory, my favorite troublemaker," he teased. "It's about time you came back for a visit. This house feels a bit empty without you around."
Aurora laughed, feeling the warmth and love that radiated from the two of them. "I missed you both so much. And I brought my chocolate cake!"
His mother's eyes lit up. "Well, now it's officially a reunion! Let's go inside, catch up, and maybe steal a taste of that cake before dinner."
Inside, they settled around the cozy living room, Aurora sinking comfortably into the familiar cushions as the conversation flowed naturally. Stephen's parents asked about her life, her work, and her recent adventures, while Stephen chimed in with stories of their training sessions and their own little routines.
Hours passed in a joyful blur, and when the time for dinner came, the four of them sat around the table, sharing old stories and new laughter. By the time dessert came, everyone was in high spirits, warmed by food and company alike.
As they finished the last bites of cake, Stephen's dad looked at them both with a thoughtful expression. "You two have something special. It's nice to see how close you've become again."
Aurora glanced at Stephen, a quiet smile shared between them. "It is," she agreed softly.
And in that moment, surrounded by warmth and laughter, everything felt right in the world.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
A little note.
Stephen and Aurora arent related but they grew up together hence Rory calls Stephen's parents auntie and uncle. Rory's parents passed away a few years ago
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COORDINATES
Misterio / SuspensoAurora's existence was as ordinary as could be. Each day blended seamlessly into the next, until an unexpected anomaly broke the monotony. It began with a single letter, a seemingly innocuous piece of mail addressed to someone she had never heard of...
